Information about the initiative

To mobilise corporate engagement, strengthen the responsibility of global actors, and promote innovative projects that are in demand within the supply chain, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) established the Sub-Saharan Cotton Initiative in March 2021. Consortia, consisting of at least one global company and a local partner, were invited to submit ideas and project proposals on Sustainable Production Methods, Improved Seeds, Climate Protection and Adaptation, Local Processing, Digital Traceability, and Procurement of Sustainable African Cotton. An expert panel comprising of scientists, policymakers, and international cooperation representatives selected four winning consortia from a total of 19 applications. Notable international companies and organisations are represented among them.

The initiative is part of the Special Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) "ONE WORLD without Hunger" (SEWOH). The winning projects are supported during the project duration by the Global Project "Sustainability and Value Added in Agricultural Supply Chains" of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The implementation of the project is carried out by the consortia themselves.

The call for proposals has been closed. If you are still interested in the tender conditions

For further information, please contact us at: cotton-initiative(at)giz.de